The Tim Horton's Drive Thru: Death of a Salesman
The Tim Horton's drive thru: death of a salesman

The decline of social interaction …
We have created a world of valuing connections with likes and emoji’s …
never having to actually connect with anyone.
We might as well live on other sides of the country for the amount of face to face interaction we have. Why is it that everyone is “connected” but people have never felt more lonely. We measure our worth on likes and shares as opposed to real life relationships and human connection.

My line of work in Real Estate is unique and my approach is just as unique in this day of age.
Actually, not unique, it’s more like the way things used to be.
I walk into Tim Hortons to order my coffee every morning, avoiding the drive thru. Cathy greets me and already has my usual regular poured before I even get to the counter. She smiles, as do I, and we wish each other a good day.

For years at the bank, the tellers have reminded me as I waited in line with an average age of 65 years old customers, “You know, we have online banking”. I always respond with “Oh I know, I just prefer to come in and deal with you here”. I have sold 4 homes to one teller that used to work there. And another just called me with some real estate needs of her own. “How did you hear of me?” I asked. “You were always so nice to everyone at the bank when you came in” she answered.

This approach isn’t for business; it’s just how I like my life to be.

My job isn’t about sales either, it’s about relationships. The sales just happen to be a byproduct of a lot of great relationships.

Sure, we still market online heavily with posts of pretty pictures, sold signs, and staged pictures of beautiful homes. This is the direction the majority of realtor marketing has gone. Videos of me, talking about the industry or weighing in on the important things that help a house sell.


At the end of the day, I know where my business comes from …

it comes from reaching my hand out and greeting a new client, or a friend, or both. It’s about meeting with someone face to face and having a conversation in person.

Seeing the expression on a client’s face when they react to an offer, or sharing house for sale that happens to be a client’s dream home. This is the true measure of a relationship, not a smiley emoji.


I want real life experiences.

Technology has given us the ability to keep our social connection together, but unfortunately on a very watered down level. It has also given salespeople the ability to work with more people than they should. Let me repeat that: it has also given salespeople the ability to work with more people than they should.


Salespeople, Realtors and anyone who has made technology a priority (and the more is better mindset) over genuine human connection has been spread a little too thin to give 100% to each and every client.


Conclusion

It was so long ago, but Jerry Maguire certainly had it right. Less clients more attention. He realized at the end of the movie that not only was his job exactly how he wanted it, his life was too.


Share this post on

2026 Ontario Statutory Holiday Dates

January 13, 2026
There’s nothing quite like realizing you have an extra day off coming up. Statutory holidays (often called stat holidays) are paid days off that give employees in Ontario a chance to rest, recharge, or enjoy a long weekend. Knowing when these holidays fall can make planning your work schedule and personal time much easier. This guide is designed to help you quickly check Ontario stat holidays for 2026, plan time off in advance, and stay organized throughout the year whether you’re booking a vacation, managing schedules, or simply looking ahead to your next break. Below are the official Ontario stat holiday dates for 2026 that you can mark on your calendar. 👉 Download the Free 2026 Stat Holiday Guide

Your Guide to the Holiday Season in Guelph

By Hudson Smith • December 3, 2025
There’s something special about Guelph in December. The lights feel a little brighter, the downtown feels a little cozier, and the whole city comes alive with traditions that bring our community together. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a simple guide to some of our favourite local holiday events — the ones that make living in Guelph feel like home. Spirit of the Season December 5–7 & December 12–14 — Downtown Guelph Downtown transforms into a festive hub filled with twinkling lights, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and warm holiday energy. It’s the perfect place to support local businesses, enjoy a hot drink, and soak in the magic with friends or family. If you’re looking for that “start of the holidays” feeling, this is it. Sparkles in the Park December 13–31 — Riverside Park Every evening, Riverside Park lights up with spectacular displays — glowing tunnels, festive scenes, and whimsical designs that bring out everyone’s inner child. And this year, keep an eye out for The Hudson Smith Group lighting display among the magic — we’re proud to support this beautiful community tradition with the Guelph Rotary Club. Even better? The carousel rides are free, and there’s a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Santa Run & Santa Claus Parade Saturday, December 6 - Santa Run 4:55 PM & Parade 5:30 PM One of Guelph’s most beloved traditions. The evening starts with the Santa Run — a quick, fun, festive dash — followed by the parade winding through downtown with music, lights, and holiday cheer. It’s a great way to kick off December with the whole family. Old Quebec Street Christmas Market Dates vary through December A cozy, European-style indoor market right in the heart of the city. Expect local makers, handmade gifts, warm drinks, and the perfect place to finish (or start!) your holiday shopping while supporting local vendors. Market Square Skating All winter long — weather permitting Nothing feels more festive than skating under the lights in front of City Hall. Bring a friend, grab a hot chocolate afterward, and enjoy one of Guelph’s simplest — and most nostalgic — winter traditions. Giving Back This Season If you’re looking to make a difference this year, consider supporting one of Guelph’s incredible community organizations, including: The Guelph Food Bank Royal City Mission Hope House Toys for Tots / local toy drives Rotary initiatives A little kindness goes a long way during the holidays. From Our Team to Yours The holidays are a time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the people who make our community special. Whether we’ve worked together this year or you’ve simply followed along with our journey — thank you. Your trust and support mean the world. Wishing you a warm, joyful, magical holiday season from all of us at the Hudson Smith Group.

A Rare Dual-Residence Bungalow in Guelph’s Old University Neighbourhood

November 14, 2025
Have you ever wished you could have more space — without sacrificing connection? Across Guelph, more families are embracing two-family or multi-generational living as the perfect blend of connection, independence, and financial practicality. Whether supporting aging parents, welcoming adult children home, or creating separate living quarters for long-term stability, buyers want homes that can comfortably and naturally support two households. But as demand grows, suitable properties have become almost impossible to find—especially in walkable, highly established neighbourhoods like Old University. That’s what makes 36 Harcourt Drive such an extraordinary opportunity: a true two-family home that offers space, flexibility, privacy, and location without compromise.
See More Posts